Which disease is asbestos exposure most commonly associated with that affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen?

Which disease is asbestos exposure most commonly associated with that affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen?

• A. Mesothelioma
• B. Asbestosis
• C. Colitis
• D. Lung cancer

Answer: (A)

Asbestos exposure is most closely linked to mesothelioma, a cancer that arises from the mesothelial cells lining serous cavities such as the pleura around the lungs and the peritoneum in the abdomen. The question points to a disease that affects the lining, and mesothelioma specifically targets that lining, often many years after exposure. Asbestosis, by contrast, is scarring of the lung tissue itself, not the lining. Lung cancer can be associated with asbestos too, but it originates in the lung tissue, not the lining. Colitis isn’t related to asbestos exposure. So the best answer is mesothelioma.

Asbestos exposure is most closely linked to mesothelioma, a cancer that arises from the mesothelial cells lining serous cavities such as the pleura around the lungs and the peritoneum in the abdomen. The question points to a disease that affects the lining, and mesothelioma specifically targets that lining, often many years after exposure. Asbestosis, by contrast, is scarring of the lung tissue itself, not the lining. Lung cancer can be associated with asbestos too, but it originates in the lung tissue, not the lining. Colitis isn’t related to asbestos exposure. So the best answer is mesothelioma.